Government Employment of Criminals (Department of State)

Jason Smathers filed this request with the U.S. Department of State of the United States of America.
Tracking #

F-2013-19030

Status
Completed

Communications

From: Jason Smathers

To Whom It May Concern:

This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:

All records concerning your agency's employment of persons whom you know to have committed criminal offenses and your agency's policies on such employment.

Many people have heard stories of the computer hacker who becomes a government agent. The purpose of this request is to shed light on this practice within your agency. The types of records which I would expect to exist include:
1) Written policies and procedures concerning the hiring of employees, contractors or agents where the potential recruit either has been convicted of a criminal offense, been arrested in suspension of a criminal offense, or has revealed that they engaged in behavior in violation of the law without getting caught.

2) Requests or other documentation in consideration of making an exemption to any such policy described in #1.

3) Reports detailing the hiring of any person such as is described in #1.

You may limit your search to records created between 1/20/2009 and the date this request is processed.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Jason Smathers

From: Department of State

An acknowledgement letter, stating the request is being processed.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 6, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-19030.

Thank you for your help.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 6, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-19030.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Request

Your query has been forwarded to the FOIA Requester Status mailbox for reply.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 6, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-19030.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Jason Smathers,

This is a follow-up to your request and case number F-2013-19030. Our Statutory Compliance Research Division initiated searches with the Office of Human Resources (HR) and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) and both searches are continuing.

The estimated completion date (ECD) is September/2014.

- ECDs are subject to change.

- ECDs are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.).

Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

Thank you,

Katrina Wood

U.S. Department of State

FOIA Requester Service Center

This email is UNCLASSIFIED.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 6, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-19030.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Jason Smathers,

Your case estimated completion date is schedule for September/2014.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 6, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-19030.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

Your estimated completion date is September 2014.
Best,

Jennine A. Daniels
U.S. Department of State

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 6, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-19030.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated November 20, 2014, inquiring about the status of your request. Please be advised that a copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Information regarding the status will be provided to you as soon as it becomes available.

We appreciate your continued patience during this process.

If you have questions regarding the status of your request, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number.

Sincerely,

Jennine A. Daniels
U.S. Department of State

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

I have contacted the Case Analyst and requested a new estimated completion date for your case. The Analyst will contact the bureaus doing the searches and the individuals reviewing the material. This will take some time because each case is different. The search and review time varies. The time depends on the complexity of information requested and the time it takes to review the material.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Jason Smathers,

The request for records from the Department’s Central Foreign Policy files resulted in a no record find. The requests for records from the Bureaus of Human Resources and Diplomatic Security are pending. At this time the new estimated completion date is March 2015.
Regards,
Jennine A. Daniels
U.S. Department of State

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 6, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-19030.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

At this time the new estimated completion date is March 2015.

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 6, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-19030.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

The request for records from the Department of State’s Central Foreign Policy files and the Bureau of Diplomatic Affairs resulted in a no record find. The request for records is pending with the Bureau of Human Resources, and this office is awaiting a reply

At this time the estimated completion date is July 2015.

Katrina Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 6, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-19030.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Dear Jason Smathers,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated August 3, 2015, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. Please be advised that a copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request.

The State Department FOIA Office is aware of your continued interest and is making every effort to respond to your request.

We appreciate your continued patience during this process.

If you have any questions regarding the status of your request, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Jason Smathers-At this time the estimated completion date is December 2015.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 6, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-19030.

Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Jason Smathers,

At this time the estimated completion date is December 2015.
Regards,

U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The estimated completion date for this case is December 31, 2015.

ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.

Angela Burks
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The search is still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is December 31, 2015.

ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.

Angela Burks
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

I have contacted the Case Analyst and requested a new estimated completion date for your case. The Analyst will contact the bureaus doing the searches and the individuals reviewing the material. This will take some time because each case is different. The search and review time varies. The time depends on the complexity of information requested and the time it takes to review the material.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

Given the high volume of FOIA requests, in addition to a backlog which the Department is working diligently to reduce, there is presently a delay in the completion of FOIA requests.

The Department’s electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The new estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: March 2016

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are “strictly” estimates and not intended to be used as “actual” dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.).
Interim release dates are provided, as applicable

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Dear Jason Smathers,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated January 20, 2016, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. A copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Our office has requested status. The estimated completion date for your request is still March 2016. Information regarding the status will be provided to you as soon as it becomes available.

We appreciate your continued patience during this process.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers–At this time the estimated completion date(ECD)is still 3/31/2016.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

Your estimated completion date is still March 31, 2016.
Regards,

Suzanne
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: FOIA Status

Dear Jason Smathers,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated April 22, 2016, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. A copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Our office has requested an update on the status and estimated completion date. Information will be provided as soon as our office receives a response.

If you have any questions regarding the status of your request, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number.

Sincerely,
Katrina Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center

This email is UNCLASSIFIED.

From: FOIA Status

Dear Jason Smathers,
This is in reference to your e-mail dated May 23, 2016, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. A copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Our office has requested an update of the status of your request and also requested a new estimated completion date for your request. Information will be provided to you as soon as our office receives a response.
We appreciate your continued patience during this process.
Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

The search is pending with the Human Resources Bureau and this office is awaiting a reply. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

Please be assured that every effort is being made to address your interests and respond to your request in a timely manner.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is December 31, 2016.

ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.

Angela Burks
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

The search is still pending concerning your FOIA Case: F-2013-19030. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of the information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

Please be assured that every effort if being made to address your concerns.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is December 31, 2016.

ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.
Regards,

Suzanne Gardner
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

From: FOIA Status

Dear Jason Smathers,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated August 31, 2016, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. A copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Our office has requested an update on the status of your request. The estimated completion date for your request is December 31, 2016. Additional information will be provided to you as soon as our office receives a response.

We appreciate your continued patience during this process.

If you have any questions regarding the status of your request, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

From: FOIA Status

Dear Jason Smathers,
This is in reference to your e-mail dated September 30, 2016, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. A copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Our office was informed that the estimated completion date is still December 2016.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
---

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Jason Smathers,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated September 30, 2016, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request number F-2013-19030 and our reply to you.

We have received the report from the office that is processing your request. We have been informed that processing of this case is underway. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records. The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is January 2017.

Please note that ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and are not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). It is the policy of the Department of State to provide all releasable material as soon as the search and review process has been completed. You will receive a substantive response when your request is fulfilled, denied in part or denied in full. The Department provides interim responses in FOIA cases instead of waiting until all processing is completed. Therefore, you may receive more than one substantive response on a rolling basis.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.

Sincerely,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is January 31, 2017.

ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.

Dominique Cotten
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. I have contacted the case manager assigned to your case and requested an status update. Once the information becomes available, you will be contacted with further detail.

The estimated completion date for this case is: January 31, 2017. Please note ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release/response dates are provided, as applicable.

Sincerely,

Jasmin Berhane
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

From: FOIA Status

Dear Jason Smathers,

This is a follow-up to your email below concerning case control F-2013-19030.

The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is April 2017.

ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

We appreciate your continued patience. I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an email to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.

S. Floyd
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484

From: FOIA Status

Dear Jason Smathers,

This is a follow-up to your email below concerning case control F-2013-19030.

The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case continues to be April 2017.

ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

We appreciate your continued patience. I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an email to foiastatus@state.gov.

S. Floyd
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
---

From: FOIA Status

Dear Jason Smathers,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated March 15, 2017, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. Please be advised that your request was recently completed in our system on March 14, 2017. You should be receiving a response letter soon.

If you have any questions after receiving the response letter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Smathers,

I checked the status of this case and it was closed on March 14, 2017. You were informed of this in the letter that was sent to you on that date. I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.

U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

Files

pages

Close